Heat stroke in dogs
Summer has already begun. Beautiful, sunny weather is a time that we've all been waiting for. However, for our pets, it's a difficult and often unpleasant period due to high temperatures. Dogs regulate their body temperature differently than humans, whose excess heat is removed through a large number of sweat glands located on the skin. In dogs, these occur only on the nose and on the paw pads, so the amount of sweat produced by them is small and is not enough to cool the entire body. As a result, overheating can occur in your dog, even if the temperature in your garden doesn't seem too hot to us.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke occurs when a dog's body temperature, which is normally at 38–39 degrees, exceeds 41 degrees Celsius. This is a life-threatening condition. Irreversible damage to internal organs and death can also occur.
Symptoms of heat stroke:
- intense panting
- shallow breathing
- faster heartbeat
- dry nose and gums
- drooling
- loss of orientation
- fainting
- diarrhoea with vomiting
- seizures
- the colour of the tongue and gums may be darker
First aid
When we notice the first symptoms of heat stroke in a dog, we should move him to a shady and cooler place. We spray him with water, starting with lukewarm water and gradually moving to increasingly cooler water. If we spray the dog with cold water immediately, he may go into shock and his condition will worsen. It's also worth wrapping him in damp towels, applying compresses, and remember to use cool water, not ice-cold. You should also ensure he has access to fresh air and, if he is conscious, give him clean drinking water. When first aid has been provided, take the dog to a veterinarian, who will give him an intravenous drip with cooled electrolyte solutions.
Dogs prone to heat stroke
Dogs with darker coat colours, older dogs, or obese dogs are most at risk. Dogs that suffer from circulatory system diseases or respiratory system diseases. Special attention should be paid on hot days to brachycephalic breeds – bulldogs, pugs, boxers.
Prevention is better than cure
To prevent heat stroke, you should:
- provide your dog with constant access to clean water
- limit walks to a minimum on hot days, especially if you're walking on a pavement that is quite hot
- if your dog stays in the garden, provide access to a shaded area
- don't leave dogs in cars even if you leave the windows down
- postpone cycling trips to cooler days
- don't put a muzzle on your dog
